yahoo.com
Portugal and the Congo DR open the battle in Group K of the World Cup. The match will take place in Houston. Portugal enters this tournament as one of the main favorites for the trophy. Roberto Martinez's selection has an extremely balanced squad, which includes the names of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and the legend Cristiano Ronaldo, for whom this is a record sixth World Cup. The Portuguese qualified without a hitch, scoring 20 goals in qualifying, and in their last controls they recorded victories over the USA, Chile and Nigeria. On the other hand, Congo DR are returning to the big stage for the first time in 52 years. The Leopards, led by Sebastien Desabre, secured their place in the USA after a dramatic play-off against Jamaica, won by a 100th-minute goal from Axel Tuanzebe. They are considered the underdogs in the group, but they have players from Europe's top leagues who could spring a surprise. The trio Vitinha, Neves, Fernandes will try to impose a high tempo of play and press the opponent in their half from the first minute. Coach Martinez will demand quick returns of the ball when lost, to prevent Congo from organizing counterattacks. The speed of Rafael Leao and the creativity of Bernardo Silva will be key to stretching the Africans' deep defense.
